SAT
The SAT
The SAT is a standardized test that students take in their junior and senior years of high school. The test is meant to assess a student’s college readiness, and is used as criteria for admission to many colleges. It is also used to determine eligibility for many scholarships, including the merit scholarships offered by universities to promising students.
The Format
The new Digital SAT Exam is composed of 4 sections and is 2 hours, 14 minutes long, not included breaks. The exam consists of two Reading and Writing Sections, and two Math Sections. The exam answer type is mainly multiple-choice, but 25% of the math answers are student produced responses.
SAT Exam Format: 4 Sections
Reading and Writing | 32 minutes | 27 questions
Reading and Writing | 32 minutes | 27 questions
Math | 35 minutes | 22 questions
Math | 35 minutes | 22 questions
The Info
Scoring
The maximum score that you can attain on the SAT is a 1600. To calculate the final score, the Reading and Writing scores are combined and the two math scores are combined, using a conversion chart. Scores for each of the 2 test areas range from 200 – 800. A perfect 800 in both areas would add up to a 1600 score.
Schedule & Registration
Students can register online at collegeboard.org or using an application from their school counselor.
Fees
SAT Test: $55.00
Fee waivers are available from school counselors.
Late fee: $30.00
Strategies
YOUR GOAL IS TO GET A 1600 POINT SCORE.
- The SAT tests the same information, the same way, every year. Learn the content and structure of the exam. Knowing what to expect will help you to raise your score!
- Take practice tests to increase your familiarity with the types of questions asked.
- You don’t have to come up with the answer from scratch; you just have to identify it amongst the choices. Every correct answer is right in front of you.
- The SAT does not take any points away for wrong answers. Thus, never leave any bubbles blank.
- When you don’t know the right answer to a multiple choice question, look for the wrong answers instead. They’re often easier to find.
- Use process of elimination. When you find a wrong answer, eliminate it.
- When should I guess? You should guess when you are able to eliminate at least one answer. This will increase the probability of getting the question right.
- Feel free to use scratch paper and to keep ideas fresh in your head.
- Manage your time: Know how much time you have to complete each section and each question.
- If you run out of time near the end of a section, a preferred plan is to choose a column and fill in the blanks for the remaining questions in a vertical line. Don’t zig-zag randomly.
